(September 19, 2009)

This commentary about "The Day of Trumpets", or some say - "The Day of Yom Teruah" - is in two parts. The two parts are:

1. The exact timing of the Holy Day.
2. The meaning of the Holy Day

THE EXACT TIME OF THE HOLY DAY

On the first day of the seventh "moon", YHWH commanded a set-apart observance in the OT. (Lev 23:23-25; Nu 29:1-6) Our English translations say "month" rather than "moon". However, this is technically incorrect. The Hebrew word specifically means "moon". (Ref: Strong's #2320) Consequently, misconceptions arise as to when this day ought to be observed.

The "calendar" within the bible that YHWH used to establish His Holy Days and Feasts was unequivocally based upon the moon, the seasons and the sun. Please know: our MODERN word, "month" is arbitrary and is determined by mathematical equations, developed by people.

In the year 2004, I wrote a study article titled: CALENDAR SYSTEM FUNDAMENTALS, Reckoning and Measuring Time. This article provides more details into the development of calendars. It also demonstrates - from secular history - that the calculation of time was maintained by the observance of the new moon around the world until "recent" history.

Again, the "Day of Trumpets" is commanded (by YHWH) to be observed on the first day of the SEVENTH MOON. The command is unequivocal and not abstruse. No man has the authority to change one jot or tittle or word! in the OT and then conclude a different meaning. MOON means MOON.

In Genesis 1:14, we're informed that Elohim created the lights in the heavens for Holy Days (appointed times). For example: the duration of a "day" is determined by the light of the sun. Thus, we determine when the seventh day Sabbath begins and ends by the sun. Likewise, the sighting of the moon's light and the seasons (the gravitational pull of the sun*) is used to calculate the rest of the Holy Days.

It's interesting that seventh day Sabbath observers will observe the sun's light to determine when the seventh day Sabbath begins and ends rather than follow man's calculation of a 'day' which is midnight to midnight. But, some of these same people don't observe the light of the moon which governs the timing of the other mandated Holy times. Why? Why follow the light of the sun then ignore the moon's light in Genesis 1:14?

[*note: Deut 16:1 tells us to watch for the moon of green ears, or rather the ripeness of the grain. For example: if the barley grain was not ripe enough in ancient Israel when declaring the first month of the year, then there wouldn't be any sheaf of grain to wave to commemorate the days of unleavened bread. Hence-forth some years contained 12 moons/months and other years contained 13 moons/months.)

THE MEANING OF THE HOLY DAY

I recommend reading Nehemiah Gordon's updated article titled: "How the Day of Shouting Became Rosh Hashanah." Its very informative. Although, he omits any scriptural reference to "trumpets". For example: he wrote that the commanded observance located in Lev 23:23-25 and Nu 29:1-6 literally means: "to make a loud noise." Thus, Nehemiah Gordon interprets Lev 23:23-25 as:

"And YHVH spoke unto Moses saying, Speak to the Children of Israel saying, In the Seventh month on the first of the month will be a day of rest (Shabbaton) for you, a Remembrance Shouting, a holy convocation. You shall do no work and you will bring a fire sacrifice to YHVH."

The online Hebrew bible, Mechon-Mamre doesn't translate Lev 23:23-25 as like Nehemiah does, nor does the Dead Sea Scrolls Bible. Mechon-Mamre says this: "a memorial proclaimed with the blast of horns." And, the Dead Sea Scrolls Bible says this: "a holy convocation commemorated with the blowing of trumpets."

I e-mailed Fred Miller - one of the translators of the Dead Sea Scrolls and asked him about the meaning in Lev 23:23-25 and Nu 29:1-6. Fred Miller is an expert in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. At this time, I'm waiting for a reply.

Regardless of any answer I might receive, we can read Numbers 10:10 and Ps 81:3 to know that this Holy Day - on the first day of the seventh moon - mandates the blowing of trumpets/horns. Both of these scriptures explicitly contain the word "trumpet/horn." (Ref: Strong's #2689)

Numbers 10:10 reads: "Also in the day of your gladness, and in your appointed seasons, and in your new moons, ye shall blow with the trumpets over your burnt-offerings, and over the sacrifices of your peace-offerings; and they shall be to you for a memorial before your God: I am YHWH your Elohim."

 

Ps 81:3-4 reads: "Blow the horn at the new moon, at the full moon for our feast-day. For it is a statute for Israel, an ordinance of the God of Jacob."

 

(In other words: blow the horn on the new moon - on the first day of the seventh month, and blow it on the 15th day of the month - the first day of the feast of booths. Please know: the full-moon occurs on 15th day! Ps 81:4 informs us that this said ritual was a LAW in Israel.)

Nehemiah Gordon did not give any details of the trumpet/horn aspect in his "Yom Teruah" article. And, he questions the purpose for this Holy Day since the Torah doesn't provide any specific reason for it. Although, I will provide you with some food for thought.

I am convinced that the event that occurred during the time of Ezra and Nehemiah (the prophets) is prophetic of the end time yet to occur - the time when Christ returns. Ezra 3 and Nehemiah 8 tell the story.

On the first day of the seventh month, ALL of the people gathered together in Jerusalem as like one man. Ezra - the priest - brought the teaching before the assembly of people. When he "opened the book" to read, everyone stood-up. He read the law in front of the Water Gate. (Recall - water represents the Holy Spirit. -John 4:13-14) Ezra read from morning until midday and everyone listened. And, everyone said, "AMEN, AMEN" while lifting up their hands. They bowed their heads and worshipped YHWH with their faces to the ground.

 

There were 14 men (including Ezra) standing before the people. Some of these men were translators because not everyone understood the ancient Hebrew anymore. When the people heard and understood, they wept. But, Ezra commanded them to stop weeping and crying. He informed them that this day - the first day of the seventh moon - was mandated to be a joyful day. Afterward, they feasted and made a great rejoicing.

 

The book of Ezra, chapter 3 informs us that the priests offered the morning and evening sacrifices. It does not record that they blew the trumpets/horns, but it is implied since they were reading the book of the law which mandated horn-blowing over the sacrifices.

The Nehemiah and Ezra event contain similarities to what will occur when Christ returns.

1. People will gather at Jerusalem.
2. A trumpet will blow and there will be a great shout.
3. The book of the law will be opened. They will listen and understanding will be granted.
4. Living water will flow.
5. People will rejoice and worship.

(Refs: 1Thes 4:16-17, 1Cor 15:51-57, Zech 14, Is 25:8-9, Rev 7:13-17 and more.)

SUMMARY:

The day of Trumpets, or the day of Shouting, or however you want to refer to the day...is a mandated observance on the first day of the seventh moon. The torah doesn't provide a specific meaning for the day. However, there was a specific event that did occur on this said day during the time of Ezra and Nehemiah. Hence-forth, we can glean some meaning for the day. This said event has similarities to the time of Christ's return. It's a joyful day. A time when the law will be read to all of the people and understanding will be given in front of the "water-gate" in Jerusalem. Its a day with a great shout and a trumpet blast. (Ref: 1Thes 4:16, Lev 23:23-25, Num 10:10, Zech 14)

REJOICE!